The drama over Bob Woodward’s correspondence with the White House continued Thursday with an appearance on Fox News‘ “Hannity” and an interview with the Washington Post. The veteran journalist said he never called White House economic adviser Gene Sperling’s email a “threat.” But he said in a later interview that the message was a “coded ‘you better watch out.'”

The Washington Post published its report on the matter Thursday evening. “I never characterized it as a ‘threat,’ Woodward told the paper:

“I think that was Politico’s word. I said I think [Sperling’s] language is unfortunate, and I don’t think it’s the way to operate. . . . [Sperling’s] language speaks for itself. I don’t think that’s the way to operate.”

Later, on “Hannity,” Woodward said he appreciated the access the White House granted him as reported on his latest book, “The Price of Politics.” But Sperling’s email came after a shouting match, Woodward said.

“The problem I have with the Gene Sperling memo and email, and this comes after a shouting match — now I have lots of people shout at me — and he says I’m going to regret, you know, that goes into the coded, you know, ‘you better watch out.'”